Payment Options

November 2, 2014April 19, 2016 Serge

Financial Policy

Thank you for choosing Scripps Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for all of your dental needs. As a courtesy, we will verify your insurance eligibility and benefits before your initial visit and at any time you notify us of a change in your coverage. However, we cannot guarantee that the information we receive is accurate or that your insurance company will process the insurance claim in accordance with the information they provided. You, as the holder of the insurance policy, are ultimately responsible for knowing what your plan does and does not cover and the administration rules (such as referrals, authorizations, etc.).

Should you need any treatment, we will provide you with a treatment plan that will be itemized. It will show the services needed, an estimation of insurance coverage and an estimation of your share of cost.

In an effort to avoid any misunderstandings, we have established the following payment policy for the use of our patients:

-A 5% courtesy discount is offered to those patients who pay in full before the start date of dental services.

-Monthly payments. CareCredit is a financing plan available to our patients. CareCredit allows patients who qualify to make payments over time with no down payment. Patients who have used this plan so far have given us very positive feedback at the flexibility it gives them to proceed with needed dental care. You can apply in our office or on-line at www.carecredit.com. Please ask our staff if you have any questions.

-Payment when service is rendered. For each appointment, payment in full for the work that is completed that day.

Recent Improvements In Cosmetic Dental Procedures

April 6, 2014April 19, 2016 Serge

Dental professionals are using new techniques to help their patients find the perfect smile. Among the newest dental specialties are teeth whitening, bonding, reshaping and resizing, veneering and contours.

In a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the findings show that approximately 96% of the US population believe that it is important to have an attractive smile if you want to get the opposite sex to notice you. Many people are not happy with their own smile. This is the main reason why cosmetic dentistry has become the most popular medical procedure.

Cosmetic dentistry is the most promising section of dentistry. If you need to have your teeth whiter, shiner and more beautiful, you’ll need to find a cosmetic dentist to help you improve the beauty of your smile. Scripps Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can access your needs and will be able to help you get that perfect smile you desire. There are several cosmetic dental options available to dental patients.

Available cosmetic dental options:

1. The most popular cosmetic dental procedure is tooth whitening or bleaching. The procedure provides patients with teeth that are whiter and brighter, resulting in smiles that are more appealing. Teeth whitening procedure can be done at home or in your dentist’s office. It is important that you consult with Scripps Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can before you decide on any teeth whitening procedure. Teeth whitening procedure is simple, painless and the most affordable of all cosmetic dentistry procedures.

2. The second most popular cosmetic dental procedure is dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth similar to dentures but they are fixed permanently to replace your missing teeth. The placing of dental implants require surgery. The patient who needs dental implants must be in good both oral and physical health before the procedure can be done. That’s why only patients with healthy gums and dependable bone structure that can support the implants are recommended for this procedure. Dental implants are the current teeth replacement alternative to dentures. However, Scripps Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can still offer dentures to patients who are missing their teeth.

3. There are several other cosmetic dentistry procedures and products available to individuals. These include crowns, bridges, braces, veneers, and bonds. Veneers are shell-like custom-built structures that are used to cover the front side of a tooth that is permanently stained, chipped, poorly shaped or crooked. Crowded or crooked teeth are treated with braces in order to correct and align the teeth. On the other hand, teeth binding is used to help in improving the general appearance of teeth that are cracked, chipped or broken. In this procedure materials which resemble the tooth enamel are applied to the affected tooth.

4. Crowns are actually covers that provide support for teeth that are weak. Crowns also enhance the appearance of the teeth as well as providing strength for teeth that are problematic. Bridges are made from porcelain, gold or alloy materials. Bridges are used to replace teeth. In this procedure, the structure made is attached directly to the patient’s gum tissue or jaw. Bridges can be removable or fixed. Only qualified dentists are recommended to fit patients with bridges.

Cosmetic dentistry is very popular and as technology advances more and better options in dental procedures will become available

Dental Bonding San Diego

October 31, 2013April 19, 2016 Serge

Bonding – Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.

San Diego TMJ Treatment TMJ

October 31, 2013April 19, 2016 Serge

TMJ Treatment in San Diego

TMJ Treatment- TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it’s where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.

TMJ – Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can cause:

Headaches
Earaches
Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Pain in the jaw muscles
Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

TMJ Treatment Options

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.

Author: Serge